Alabama’s Biodiversity – Inspiring A New Century of Discovery
Alabama Citizens Pay Tribute to
Dr. Edward O. Wilson
Wednesday, April 23rd at 7 p.m.
Concert Hall, Moody Music Building
The University of Alabama
Citizens from throughout Alabama will join together for an evening of storytelling and sharing discoveries about Alabama’s natural world to honor Alabama native son and internationally recognized naturalist and biodiversity expert Dr. Edward O. Wilson. The tribute is part Edward O. Wilson Week at The University of Alabama April 21-25.
“Alabama’s Biodiversity-Inspiring A New Century of Discovery” will take place Wednesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building on the UA campus (tickets can be purchased HERE ).
“Frog callers, butterfly experts, and naturalists who have discovered plants and animals found no where else but in Alabama, will share their experiences and expertise in this fun-filled and information packed night to honor our good friend and Alabama native son Dr. Edward O. Wilson. Wilson is well known for his passion for promoting and protecting Alabama’s impressive biodiversity and his passion for supporting Alabama’s future scientists. Indeed, he frequently returns to his home state for field work and explorations. Our speakers will include both professional researchers and lay naturalists who will focus on these two passions and how they have given them a greater appreciation of Alabama’s natural environment,” said Pat Byington, of Wild South, a sponsor of the event.
The event is open to the public. Admission is a minimum $10 donation to the Edward O. Wilson Biodiversity Fellowship program at The University of Alabama.
Speakers will include:
Bill Finch, author of the “Longleaf – As Far as the Eye Can See” and renown naturalist;
Bernie Kuhajda – Former University of Alabama researcher and Aquatic Conservation Biologist at the Tennessee Aquarium;
Sara Bright and Paulette Haywood Ogard – authors of “Butterflies of Alabama.”
Bishop Heron Johnson of the Faith Apostolic Church, Alabama’s own modern Noah, with special guest, former Alabama Football great Bobby Humphrey.
And many more, scientists, educators and naturalists from Alabama.
The evening will also feature the presentation of a special gift to Wilson from the children of Alabama.
Proceeds will support the Edward O. Wilson Endowed Biodiversity Fellowship program at UA. Established by Wilson, the program provides support to young scientist to conduct field work in biodiversity throughout Alabama.
“Alabama’s Biodiversity – Inspiring A New Century of Discovery,” is presented by:
The Nature Conservancy of Alabama, Wild South, Environmental Education Association of Alabama, Land Trust of North Alabama, Alabama Coastal Foundation, Alabama Rivers Alliance, Mobile Baykeeper, Birmingham Audubon Society, Mobile Bay Audubon Society, Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Little River Waterkeeper, Cahaba Riverkeeper, Collaborative Environmental Network of Alabama, Jacksonville State University Environmental Policy and Information Center, Southern Environmental Center at Birmingham Southern College, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, Coosa Riverkeeper, Cyprus Partners, Weeks Bay Foundation, Alabama Forest Resource Center, Friends of the Delta, Cahaba River Society, College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama, Camp McDowell Environmental Center, Freshwater Land Trust, Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, Alabama Environmental Council, Conservation Alabama Foundation, Fresh Air Family
Edward O. Wilson Week will also include the Edward O. Wilson Biodiversity Symposium, in which international biodiversity experts will join Wilson for three days of presentations and forums on the state and future of biodiversity on our planet. To register for the symposium and learn more about Edward O. Wilson week, click HERE.